Kohala Waterfall Swim and Hike

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Kohala Waterfall Adventure Tour Highlights

• Duration: 7 to 8 hours
• Rated: Easy, all ages are welcomed
• Max group size is 12 (the size of the shuttle van)
• Ramble off-road in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle
• Take a relaxed, guided walk through a private nature reserve
• Cool off with a swim under two of seven cascading waterfalls
• Enjoy a private picnic lunch with views of soaring sea cliffs and remote valleys at one of the island’s most iconic lookouts (with no crowds!)
• Tour departs from Hawaii Forest and Trails Headquarters (click for directions, 12-minutes north of Kailua-Kona) and Waikoloa Queens’ Marketplace (click for directions)
• Resort pick-up along the Kohala Coast is available
• Leaves early in the morning and is not offered daily, so plan ahead!

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Kohala Waterfall Swim and Hike Details

Get a hearty taste of this tour by watching our experience on this waterfall swim and hike on the Big Island!

Immerse yourself in stunning private Kohala waterfalls, tranquil streams, scenic coastlines, and rugged valleys on this North Kohala adventure. Experience an off-road drive to an exclusive trailhead.

While Jordan and I loved the waterfall swims, the scenic hike, and the history and nature information from the guide, the real surprise was the stunning views at their private picnic site. This tour was none stop fun with a small group.

The total tour length is approximately 7 to 8 hours round trip as the tour departs from Hawaii Forest & Trail Headquarters, 12 minutes north of Kailua-Kona.

They also provide pick up on their way to North Kohala District with a pick up at Waikoloa Queens’ Marketplace and directly from resorts.

If you’re staying in Hilo or exploring East Hawaii, we recommend you look at this private waterfall swim at the stunning Kulaniapia Falls. Enjoy a day pass to swim in the lagoon, rent a kayak or SUP, and relax at this stunning waterfall. Learn more and book here: Private Waterfall Swim in Hilo.

Restrictions: Guests should be able to hike on uneven or rocky terrain, and sometimes guests will encounter cool, wet, or muddy conditions.
What to Bring & Wear: Reusable water bottle, comfortable walking shoes or reef walkers, bathing suit, hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket or sweatshirt.

If this tour doesn’t sound like your thing, check out these other popular Big Island guided tours:

• Kohala Zip & Dip Tour
• Big Island Waterfalls Adventure Guided Tour
• The Best Stargazing Tour on Hawaii
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Guided Tour

FAQs: Kohala Waterfall Adventure Tour

What is included?

Deli-style lunch with assorted beverages. Sunscreen, bug spray, and hand sanitizer are also available upon request. Please bring your own reusable water bottle (they provide refills!) Reusable water bottles may be purchased upon request.

They provide hiking gear! Walking sticks, granola bars, microfiber towels, and rain jackets are provided.

How much hiking will you do?

Expect to cover approximately 1.5 miles in 1 – 2 hours.

What should you bring and wear on the hike?

Reusable water bottle, comfortable walking shoes or water shoes (we like Teva shoes), bathing suit, hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket or sweatshirt.

Is there an elevation gain?

Expect to do minimal climbing. The estimated elevation gain over the course of the hike is about 200-feet.

What is the water temperature in the waterfall?

Water temperature varies and ranges between 60 and 70 degrees F, cool and refreshing after a lovely walk in our opinion.

 

About Hawaii Forest and Trail Team

Try to find another tour company with better reviews than Hawaii Forest and Trail. Even their sister company, Kohala Zipline, knocks it out of the park with reviews and A+ experience. We trust them with your Island of Hawaii vacation.

Rob Pacheco has a passion for the natural world of Hawaii. It is a passion that began almost as soon as he stepped off the plane here in 1990 and quickly realized that these islands contain diverse and unique ecosystems rivaling any place on earth.

Because of its isolation in the middle of the Pacific and its volcanic geology, Rob realized that Hawaii is a place unparalleled for studying evolutionary biology, extinction, endangered species, and conservation. It is a place where the fundamental lessons of creation and earth sciences could be seen, experienced, and understood.

At the same time Pacheco, who had worked as a naturalist on the mainland, concluded most residents and visitors were only seeing Hawaii’s beautiful scenery and had little knowledge of Hawaii’s natural history. Pacheco decided to combine his passion with a vision: to share his passion for natural history with others and to help conserve Hawaii’s endangered environment by educating them about it. It was a vision that fit well with the growing worldwide interest in eco-tourism. Soon thereafter, and with the help of his wife Cindy whom he had met in Kona, the idea for Hawaii Forest & Trail was born.

One of the integral ideas the Pachecos instituted was to establish partnerships with private landowners that would allow tours to places with wild and remote native ecosystems that had been previously inaccessible. Hawaii Forest & Trail is one of the few tour companies allowed access to private lands and controlled-access wildlife refuges.

Another important element Pacheco built into Hawaii Forest & Trail was the practice of having knowledgeable and qualified guides. In 1993, when Hawaii Forest & Trail began offering its first adventures, Pacheco was “the only guide” for every trip.

Since then he has built up a team of guides with strong academic backgrounds in biology, geology, Hawaiian culture and history, and extensive natural history field experience. It’s not enough for the guides to simply “know things”, they must also have a real passion for Hawaii’s natural world and enthusiasm for sharing it.

We are affiliate partners with Hawaii Forest and Trail which means we receive a small commission for each completed booking made through this site. This is done without any additional cost to you. You can read more about our affiliate policies here. Know that we only recommend tour operators that we know and trust. Your positive experience and your trust in us mean more than any affiliate commission. By booking tours through our website you help us to provide free information and videos to help you and other readers plan their perfect Hawaii vacation. Thank you so much for your support — you are amazing!